One passenger suffers severe burns after a gas explosion reportedly triggered a fire in a fully loaded commercial bus at Berger Bus Stop, prompting a swift response from LASTMA, firefighters and the police.

A potentially devastating road incident was averted on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded into flames, leaving one passenger with severe burns and 17 others rescued without injuries.

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, when the fully loaded vehicle, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.

The bus was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly erupted in flames, triggering panic among passengers and other road users.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), its officials responded swiftly to the emergency and successfully evacuated 17 occupants from the burning vehicle.

However, one male passenger, who was reportedly seated at the rear of the bus, sustained severe burns in the incident.

He was immediately taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical treatment.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service subsequently arrived at the scene with firefighting equipment and successfully tackled the blaze, while officers of the Ojodu Police Division secured the area and maintained order during the emergency operation.

Commending the rescue team, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency's personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention.

He also acknowledged the cooperation among the emergency response agencies, noting that effective coordination and rapid intervention were crucial in preventing further casualties.

Bakare-Oki used the incident to caution commercial transport operators, particularly those operating CNG-powered vehicles, against neglecting routine safety checks and proper vehicle maintenance.

He stressed the need for regular professional inspections, proper maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems, and strict adherence to established safety regulations.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of safety standards in the growing use of alternative-fuel vehicles for commercial transportation, particularly as CNG adoption continues to attract interest in Nigeria's transport sector.

Authorities have urged operators to prioritise passenger safety and ensure their vehicles are properly inspected and maintained to prevent avoidable emergencies.